What Does Golf Have to Do with Spain?
When people think of Spain, a few things come to mind right away: good food, great weather, a relaxed way of life. But there’s another part of the picture that’s grown quietly — and impressively — over the years: golf.
Spain is now one of Europe’s leading golf destinations. Not just for people looking to add a round or two to a beach holiday — but for those planning full golf-focused trips. Whether you’re a PGA professional organizing a getaway for students, a private club planning a members' experience, or a passionate golfer ticking off the next destination, Spain delivers in a way that feels both refined and effortless.
Why Spain? Because It Works — and Feels Right
Spain welcomed nearly 94 million international visitors in 2024, making it the second most visited country in the world — right behind France, and notably ahead of Italy. That tells you something important: people trust Spain as a destination. And they keep coming back.
Among those travelers, a growing number are coming for golf — not just by chance, but by design. Recent figures show over 1.4 million golfers visit Spain each year, and it’s consistently ranked as Europe’s top golf destination. Why? Because it checks the boxes that matter: excellent courses, great weather, easy logistics, and the kind of hospitality that makes people feel welcome from the first tee to the last toast.
The Courses Speak for Themselves
Spain’s golf portfolio includes some of the most respected names in the game:
Real Club Valderrama – Known worldwide, it hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup and continues to welcome top-level events.
Finca Cortesín – Hosted the 2023 Solheim Cup and is a standout in both design and presentation.
PGA Catalunya – A favorite among European Tour players and professionals bringing groups who expect a championship-caliber experience.
But beyond the marquee names, Spain offers remarkable depth. From the sunlit fairways of the Costa del Sol to the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, courses here are built for all kinds of players — whether your group is focused on performance, enjoyment, or both.
Playable Weather. Year-Round.
One of Spain’s biggest advantages is simply the climate. You can play meaningful, comfortable golf 12 months a year. Regions like Andalucía, Murcia, and the Canary Islands see over 300 days of sunshine annually — ideal for offseason training, coaching trips, or winter escapes that don’t feel like a compromise.
This isn’t a "maybe it’ll be playable" destination. It’s reliable. And that peace of mind makes all the difference when you're putting a trip together for others.
It's Not Just the Golf — It's Everything Around It
There are plenty of great places to play golf. What sets Spain apart is what happens off the course — and how naturally it all fits together.
After your round, you're not stuck at the clubhouse. You're in a place that invites you out: for tapas in a whitewashed village, for wine tasting near the coast, for a walk through centuries of history. Whether your group wants activity, quiet, culture, or just time well spent, Spain offers a rhythm that’s hard to replicate.
And of course, the food is worth the trip all on its own — simple, generous, and deeply rooted in place.
What American and Canadian Golfers Say
More and more golfers from North America are discovering what Europe — and especially the UK and Scandinavia — have known for years: Spain is a destination that respects the game and understands the traveler.
From the feedback we hear, a few things stand out:
“We could play on courses with real history and quality — without the crowds or the pressure.”
“There’s a pace here. You don’t feel rushed, and the whole experience feels balanced.”
“It felt like a proper golf trip — but also like a vacation. Everyone was happy, even the non-golfers.”
Flights from cities like New York, Boston, Toronto, and Miami make the trip more accessible than ever. And once people come, they often start planning the next visit before they leave.
The Takeaway
If you’re thinking about a golf experience abroad — for yourself, your students, your club, or your group — Spain makes it easy to say yes. The golf holds up. The weather works. The hospitality feels natural, not forced. And the time you spend there gives you more than just rounds played.
We’d be happy to help you shape the right trip — whether that’s a competitive itinerary, a relaxed tour of the coast, or something totally custom. Because once you experience what golf has to do with Spain, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back.
